MARADON SCORES IN THE MOST
COMPETITIVE & INTERNATIONAL UK ENDURANCE RIDE YET

Tattersalls Newmarket, Sunday 9
July

Maradon, ridden by Sheikh
Mohammeds 17 year old second son, Sheikh Hamdan, took the 140km (approx
90 mile) Tattersalls endurance ride held on Sunday 9 July at the Newmarket
Rowley Mile racecourse by kind permission of Jockey Club Estates Limited and
organised by The British Endurance Riding Association. A warm up for The
Emirates Airlines World championships in France on 26 August 2000, the
Tattersalls event attracted 69 top class international horses from Australia,
France, Germany, Turkey, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and The United Arab
Emirates. The ride started at 6am, with the first riders finishing around
3.20pm and the winner completing on a riding time of 7 hours 6 minutes and 8
seconds at an average speed of 19.71 km/hr (approx 12.25mph). 42 of the 69
starters completed.

With cool conditions, perfect going and an open
course, the result, not surprisingly, was a tough and hard-fought competition
which ended in a racing finish with the winner taking victory by no more than a
neck over the French lady Rider, Ceclie Miletto riding Pembac Park Caleb
(also for the UAE). Finishing seconds behind this winning pair were Sheikh
Ahmed, the winning-most rider in the UAE last winter, riding Oaklyn
Lassitier (3rd) and Hassan Bin Ali, winner of the rehearsal event
at the World Championship venue of Compiegne earlier this year (in 4th).

Sheikh Hamdan and his elder brother Rashid,
made a last minute switch of mounts in what proved to be the wrong call for the
former when Rashids ride, Ali leujah, the most successful horse in
the UAE last winter taking two majors, was vetted out at the 3rd (of 4) vet
gates. So it was Maradon, the 11 year old Swedish warmblood who clinched
victory for the UAE royal family, as well as the Special Raddery Equine Award
for the Best non-Arab Horse. Explained Manager, Bill Smith earlier in the day:
Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan are riding our two best horses and these
are coming in with good, low heart rates and we would hope to see these both
finish in the top 10. In addition, the younger, less experienced horses are
being prepared for The World Championships and are really starting to
impress.

The coveted Best Condition Award (judged by the
panel of vets at the end of the ride) went to the 9 year old mare Kurrajong
Sequel, the ride of Australias Meg Wade who finished in 5th position
behind the winning UAE contingent. Meg who  from the second vet gate
onwards - was always up with the leaders and consistently vetting first
explained: .

This is one of my favourite rides in the
world. I just love Newmarket, its just one of the most amazing places
Ive ever been, there are horses everywhere, I love it. I came 8th last
year and it would be great to win the ride this time, but not at all
costs.

The Top British placed rider was Sarah Kelleway
on her own 9 year old Dauves de Pin finishing in tenth position. Top
British junior home was 20 year old Beccy Broughton with her stallion,
Murmansk, taking 13th place despite a fall at the start leaving her with
a suspected broken finger which had to be strapped up for the rest of the
ride.

British team hopefuls for The World Endurance
Riding Championships brought up the rear of the field, under strict team
instructions to ride the first two sections of the course at a steady 9mph.
With Jenny Jacksons Burning Best not able to start as a result of
shoeing problems, the 13 remaining shortlisted riders competed as two squads.
Six of these completed the ride: Jayme Bone, Kruga; Shelagh Bunn,
Phylka; Sally Hall, Touchstone II; Jan James, Rowengay
Garnet; Jim Lane, Safaniya and Carolyn Edwards substituting for
Margaret McKiddie) with Bonnie Anne. Commented BERAs Chairman of
International, John Robertson: The riders did everything that was asked
of them. In the first section of the ride, the squads worked together well and
were able to try out various techniques and tactics; so it proved to be a
valuable exercise all-round.

This was the third running of this Tattersalls
event which is now firmly established as one of the most prestigious and
competitive in the British endurance riding calendar. Endurance riding is one
of the worlds fastest growing equestrian sports with more countries
competing in its international championships than any other. Endurance
organisations worldwide are currently campaigning to make the sport an Olympic
discipline. Further information on the sport can be found at
www.british-endurance.org.uk or contact The British Endurance Riding
Association on 024 76 698863./ends 11.7.00